Texas A&M vs. Ole Miss Game Preview

Texas A&M was stunned by Mississippi State in Starkville, losing 35-28 to fall to 7-2 on the season. Quarterback Trevor Knight left the game with a shoulder injury and will be out for the remainder of the regular season, which means Jake Hubenak will start under center for the Aggies against the Rebels.

What To Know About Texas A&M

How will Hubenak play? And how will he connect with the talented group of receivers led by Christian Kirk? That will be a main storyline heading into the last three games of the season. Getting help from the running game with Keith Ford would help the transition with the new guy under center.

The Aggies made Mississippi State quarterback Nick Fitzgerald look like Cam Newton in the loss to the Bulldogs, giving up 391 yards of total offense to the quarterback. They get a break not having to face Kelly, but still have to guard a talented receiver corps led by tight end Evan Engram.

What to Know About Ole Miss

Replacing Kelly will prove difficult for the Rebels, as he was the heart and soul of the offensive unit. Pellerin will give it a shot, and finding Engram should be his number one priority. Running back Akeem Judd should be able to give the Rebels a shot in the arm.

The Rebels defense has been down this year, and the Aggies should be able to run on them with Ford and company. If anything, Ole Miss will try to put pressure on Hubenak and force him into mistakes.

Advantages

Offense: Tie. Both offenses are without their starting quarterback under center.

Defense: Tie. Both have had trouble stopping the run, with Ole Miss ranked No. 117 in rush defense allowing 240.22 yards per game.

Special Teams: Texas A&M. Kirk at kick returner gives the Aggies an edge.

Coaching: Texas A&M. Sumlin should have the Aggies ready after the upset loss.

Intangibles: Texas A&M. The 12th Man will light a fire under the Aggies.

Matchup To Watch

Two backup quarterbacks vs. expectations

How much of the game plan will the Aggies and Rebels be able to use with backup quarterbacks under center?

Texas A&M vs. Ole Miss Betting Odds

Spread: Texas A&M -20Over/Under: 52.5

Texas A&M vs. Ole Miss Prediction

Losing Kelly at quarterback is exactly what the Rebels did not need during this tenuous season. He was Ole Miss’ leader and best player, and everything that went well on offense went through him. Sure, A&M is banged up as well, but the Aggies are more well-suited to deal with that then the Rebels. This could be a blowout as the Aggies get back in the win column.